First term Churchlands MLA Basil Zempilas emerged out of a party room meeting as the new state leader on Tuesday, following Libby Mettam’s decision to step down from the role. Mr Zempilas confirmed his leadership aspirations last week and was tipped to become the party leader with no other members contending for the job. Before being elected to state parliament, Mr Zempilas was the Perth Lord Mayor and a Seven West media personality hosting Weekend Sunrise, Telethon and commentating on the AFL and Olympics. He told media ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, it was time to reset the party after another disastrous election result. “I think it’s more than a rebuild. I think it’s a total reset and that’s the opportunity that we’ve got, but that is a matter for me and all of our colleagues to come together and discuss,” he said. “You don’t often get an opportunity for a fresh start and that’s what the WA Liberal Party have and that’s what today represents in many ways, and I’m really looking forward to getting in there and getting it all started.” Ms Mettam was elected by her party room colleagues as deputy leader. She said last week, while the election result delivered an historically significant 18 per cent plus swing against Labor it did not translate into a gain of seats as hoped. The Liberals narrowly won the seat of Kalamunda, in the Perth Hills, which has seen the party claim seven seats in the Legislative Assembly and enough to form opposition. The Nationals WA held the title after securing more seats than the Liberals in 2021, and had both been sitting at six seats each following the March 8 election. Adam Hort won the seat for the Liberals by a mere 89 votes over Labor’s candidate Karen Beale. Mr Hort said he was humbled to earn the trust of his electorate and it was an honour to represent the area where he grew up still calls home. “I am deeply grateful,” he said.